Damyang-gun Operates 'Agricultural Drone Specialist Certification Class'

[Damyang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Jeonnam Damyang-gun (Governor Choi Hyung-sik) announced on the 19th that it will operate a specialized agricultural drone certification class to promote agricultural industry development using agricultural drones and to train professional personnel.

Currently, agricultural drones are being used for eco-friendly pesticide spraying, seed sowing, pest and disease observation, etc., and their demand is increasing in conjunction with the decrease in rural labor.

The county plans to recruit 10 people for the agricultural drone training course to increase the utilization of drones in agricultural pest control and contribute to reducing labor and production costs due to aging, and to meet the rising expectations for obtaining drone certifications. To reduce the economic burden on farmers, 50% of the tuition fee, up to 1.5 million won, will be supported.

The application period for the training is until the 17th of next month, and applications can be submitted by visiting the Agricultural Technology Center or the agricultural counseling offices in the towns and townships.

Applicants must be county farmers who wish to obtain an agricultural drone certification, have been engaged in agriculture for more than 3 years, and hold a class 2 or higher regular driver's license or be eligible to obtain one.

This training will be conducted through a province-designated educational institution approved by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, providing systematic education including theoretical lessons, flight, and practical training necessary for certification acquisition.

For agricultural drones (class 2, weighing between 7 and 25 kg), applicants must complete 20 hours of theoretical education, 10 hours of simulated flight practical training, and 10 hours of practical training, and then pass the practical exam.

A county official said, “Through this training course, we will be able to resolve labor shortages caused by aging by utilizing agricultural drone technology, reduce production costs, and enhance the competitiveness of agriculture.”